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Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground welcomes pets throughout its riverside camping areas with full hookup sites for both tent and RV campers. The campground provides level pads with water, sewer, and electric connections while keeping the natural ambience along the Nolichucky River. Horse Creek Recreation Area also accommodates pets with peaceful creekside settings that partially isolate each campsite for privacy. Both locations enforce standard leash requirements, and clean facilities complement the outdoor experience. The campground at Davy Crockett features modern bathhouses, laundry facilities, and WiFi access, with a playground for families traveling with both children and pets. Several sites near Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee are featured on The Dyrt.
Dogs can accompany their owners on the hiking trails throughout these campgrounds, with Horse Creek offering scenic paths alongside the creek. The Nolichucky River provides water access for dogs that enjoy swimming, though caution is advised as the current can be strong. Dog owners should come prepared with waste bags as some campgrounds have limited pet amenities. Seasonal considerations affect pet comfort, with summer months requiring extra water and shade for pets. The bathhouse at Horse Creek receives mixed reviews for cleanliness, rating around 6 out of 10 according to campers. Both locations maintain a quiet, natural setting that makes them popular for campers seeking a peaceful outdoor experience with their pets, though sites at Davy Crockett can fill quickly during peak season.
"Large swimming pool, TONS of historical events around, hiking & river walks. Super clean and new bath houses as well. Honors Tennessee state discounts. If possible make reservations online."
"The drive in follows the TN “Sunnyside Early Country Trail” through picturesque farmland with mountains in the near distance. Do your shopping before arrival, there’s nothing close to the park."
from $14 - $32 / night
Check Availability"This site says you can’t have dogs but I saw dogs all around us at the campground. Idk."
"With mountains in the distance and the constant rush of the French Broad River, the setting is awesome. Even the occasional train whistle gives me a feeling of nostalgia and of simple days."
"Having both RV and tent campgrounds, each with large fire pits and lantern stands, this peaceful creekside setting lies just beyond low mountain farms in the northern part of Greene County Tennessee."
"Nice trails."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Nolichucky Gorge is right next to USA Raft, same road, same entrance to the left. Veteran owned and well maintained. The staff is friendly and professional. River view sites, other sites and cabins."
"This is a great spot located right next to USA Raft. There are a handful of tent only riverside camping spots with RV sites set back from the river."
"Big open area for the dogs. Clean laundry. Plenty of areas for the kiddos. Friendly staff. Definitely a good place to stay"
"Conveniently located close to highway 81 and town!"
"The road intersects with the Appalachian trail so you might meet up with some thru hikers. I recommend walking all the way up to rich mountain fire tower."
"Good access and hand full of spots scattered around on NFR 31. Please pack in what you pack out."
"Dogs welcome. There were a lot of people there with horses when I went. They have a small pool. Facilities were clean. Bring bug spray! In summer the mosquitoes were terrible!"
"Convenient location in the Cherokee National Forest that is close to the Appalachian Trail and the Nolichucky River. Campground is popular with families and busy on weekends."
"There isn’t too much of any one activity in/near the campground but lots more in the greater area. Cons: just plan to drive to another area if you’re staying for a few days (not really a con though)."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $48 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Drive in is a nice paved road, got our information on where our sites where from the Camp Host, Who was super informative."
"Cosby is about half an hour outside of Gatlinburg and worth every minute. A16 was big and shady. There were a few steps down to it. Plenty of trees and distance to the nearest neighbors."
from $50 / night
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ScoutNobody was here on Sat. Had gard time finding site. Site reserved did not have 30 amp and could not reach staff. Moved to other site hoping it would not be a problem. We were able to finally reach staff on Mon. Also no pcknick tables or fire rings.
ScoutNice camp and staff friendly. We drive the Blue Ridge Pkwy which was a bit of drive but the ride up to Mt Mitchell was beautiful. Only negative was the laundry rooms were small for a large camp like this but I made it work. Probably a bit more challenging during busy season but all that said this is a nice campground
Traveler✨ I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about our stay at Glamping on the Clinch River!❤️ It was truly one of the most relaxing, beautiful experiences, and waking up to such a breathtaking piece of God’s creation was something special that I will never forget. The views are absolutely stunning, the peacefulness is unmatched, and it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the beauty God has blessed us with.🙏🏻🤍 But what makes this place even more special is the incredible family behind it. Bonnie and Rusty are truly two of the sweetest, most generous, and kindhearted people you could ever meet! Their hospitality goes above and beyond, and you can feel the love they put into making sure every guest has the most wonderful experience. From preparing breakfast for their guests to the thoughtful little touches like making s’mores around the outdoor campfire, they make you feel so welcomed and cared for.❤️🔥 The tipi itself was absolutely beautiful, exceptionally clean, and decorated so thoughtfully to create the perfect glamping experience. Every detail made our stay feel cozy, comfortable, and magical while still allowing us to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.🏕️✨ Places like this are a reminder that sometimes the best experiences aren’t about fancy hotels or extravagant vacations. They’re about beautiful surroundings, genuine kindness, peaceful moments, and the wonderful people who make you feel right at home. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway surrounded by God’s beautiful creation and hosted by people with truly golden hearts, you NEED to experience Glamping on the Clinch River! I would recommend it a thousand times over, and we are so grateful we had the opportunity to stay here. Bonnie and Rusty, thank you for sharing your beautiful place with others and for making our experience so incredibly special. You two are such a blessing!❤️🙏🏻 We will absolutely cherish these memories and hope to be back again soon!🌿🤍✨
TravelerAbsolutely one of the most beautiful campgrounds that we have visited, and super clean. Such a great location for hiking and viewing the Blue Ridge Pkwy!
ScoutLet me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
TravelerThis place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person shower rooms and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.
TravelerThis campground has a great location in maggie valley, close to Waynesville with plenty to do in close proximity. While it is a traditional campground, they have very competitive rates for weekly and monthly stays. For us its the perfect getaway destination for the summers and fall. The staff is super welcomming and friendly. You find a cute creek on the backside of of the campground with trout as some fisherman told me. The staff takes pride in all the flowers, landscaping and seasonal decorations. Also nice to know is you are not being looked down to with an older camper. As long as your rig is decent and functional you are admitted.
ScoutLovely spot on the river. Freeway was loud but not too bad.
ScoutMy husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.
The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.
Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.
These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.
I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"
Pet friendly campsites near Cherokee National Forest range from primitive backcountry sites to developed campgrounds with modern amenities. The forest spans over 650,000 acres across eastern Tennessee with elevations from 1,000 to 4,600 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F during the day and drop to 60-65°F at night, while spring and fall camping offer cooler conditions with occasional rain.
Hiking with dogs: Several trails throughout Cherokee National Forest welcome leashed pets. At Rich Mountain, visitors can access the Appalachian Trail and enjoy panoramic views. "The road intersects with the Appalachian trail so you might meet up with some thru hikers. I recommend walking all the way up to rich mountain fire tower. Great 360 degree view of the mountains and good sunset spot," notes Katie.
Swimming access: The natural swimming areas provide relief during hot summer months. Rock Creek Recreation Area features a mountain stream with a dammed swimming hole. "There is a mountain stream running through the campground that has been dammed up to make a swimming hole that is quite large, not sure on depth as we didn't get in, but water is very chilly even in late July," explains Robert L.
Historical exploration: Learn about regional history while camping with your pet. "There is a museum on the property where you can learn lots about the history of this famous Tennessean for which the campsite and park were named," says Ric M. about Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots that provide separation from neighbors. W.L. notes that at Horse Creek Recreation Area, "A thick forest of deciduous trees partially isolates each campground for a relaxed evening of fire provided comfort and repose."
River proximity: Waterfront camping allows for relaxing soundscapes and recreational opportunities. "Sites are right next to the river, which meant we could watch the water go by as we were sitting there at the picnic table enjoying a meal," shares Ric M.
Off-season solitude: Visiting during shoulder seasons provides a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds. Gregg G. notes about Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, "We were there in December when the weather was chilly and practically had the place to ourselves."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely across campgrounds in the region. Jeff B. reports about Horse Creek Recreation Area, "The bathhouse had one shower per side and on a scale of 1 to 10 for cleanliness, I would give it a 6." At other locations like Rock Creek, facilities are "clean and in good repair" according to reviews.
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds require significant effort to reach your site. At Horse Creek Recreation Area, "When it says the sites are 'walk-in', it does not mean you can drive near your site and walk over into it. It means you have to park in a parking lot and haul your stuff up to 200 or 300 yards away along a trail over bridge."
Cellular service: Connectivity varies throughout the forest. Ray & Terri F. note that at Rock Creek Recreation Area, "AT&T had 1 bar and 0.8 MB/s without a booster, 2 bars and 2.4 MB/s with it," while other areas may have no service at all.
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds offer facilities specifically for children. Rebecca M. shares that at Davy Crockett, "Playground is great and was perfect for our girl scout trip. There's also a sweet man who gives tours of the replica farm of David Crockett... in character and costume."
Swimming options: Kid-friendly water areas provide entertainment during hot weather. At Baileyton KOA Holiday, "Pool is salt-water so no chlorine smell. Playground is away from most camp sites and has a tire swing and small set up," mentions D.S.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites within campgrounds offer learning experiences for children. Anna R. notes about Davy Crockett, "This is a good kid friendly car camping spot. Lots of history and cabin replicas from Davy Crockett era. A joke along the banks of the Nolichucky River and even a pool on site."
Site leveling: Many RV sites require adjustments for comfort. At Nolichucky Gorge Campground, Briggs B. reports, "We stay up in the 'pines' with our truck camper. They had a 30 amp hookup up there for us."
Size limitations: Large rigs may face challenges at some campgrounds. Andrew W. warns about Nolichucky Gorge Campground, "Nice gravel pads that will not accommodate anything much longer than 35'."
Hookup availability: Electricity, water and sewer connections vary by location. At Rock Creek, "B Loop sites are 30A only. The website says there is shared water, which there is, but in B Loop, you can't hook a hose to it to fill your tank, as the spigot is not threaded," advises Ray & Terri F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cherokee National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cherokee National Forest is Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cherokee National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 301 dog-friendly camping locations near Cherokee National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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